HDB environment study of building new homes in Bayshore completed; seeking public feedback till Nov 29

The Housing Development Board (HDB) has completed an Environmental Impact Assessment of the forested Bayshore area before commencing redevelopment plans.

According to HDB, in-depth studies are conducted to assess the “expected impact of development on the natural and built environment”. These studies provide a better understanding of the existing area and inform mitigating measures to minimise the impact of development works on the environment.

The forested Bayshore area, which spans an estimated 31.2 ha, was set to be cleared for “future housing and infrastructural developments”. Construction of housing is expected to begin in 2029 after “earthworks and site clearance works”, and expected to complete by the mid-2030s. 

The study found that the habitats in the area have “minor to moderate conservation value” and “low species richness”. Biodiversity in the area was deemed to have “low species richness” and “low proportion of species of conservation significance”.

A total of 196 flora species were recorded within the study area, of which 95 species were native. 

Of the 95 native species, 22 were also considered as a threatened species, and 16 of them were considered of “local conservation significance” as they were determined to be native species regenerated from wild populations.

The remaining six threatened species were of lower conservation significance as they were determined to originate from cultivated stock and/or are relics from past cultivations.

A total of 147 species of fauna were recorded within the study area, including 54 species of avifauna. These species were recorded through transect surveys, camera traps and acoustic traps. 

Across all fauna groups, only six species of avifauna were determined to be of local conservation significance. These include the Oriental Magpie-Robin, Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot, Changeable HawkEagle, Red Junglefowl, Rusty-breasted Cuckoo and Red-legged Crake. 

The study also determined the conservation value of the habitats and biodiversity found within the study area appears to be “minor to moderate within Singapore’s context”. 

It factors in the low species richness, the low proportion of species of conservation significance and the dominance of exotic species in the exotic-dominated secondary forest.

Ecological impacts are predicted to arise from the pre-construction and construction phase, as well as the operational phase.

The report proposed several key mitigation measures to minimise and prevent the exacerbation of ecological impacts caused by the developments. These measures will take place in both the construction and operation phases.

These include: avoiding the use of barbed wire fencing around the construction site, a “directional approach” of clearing vegetation to shepherd fauna out and installation of signages to guide residents on how to properly respond in human-wildlife encounters.

HDB is currently seeking public feedback on the report until Nov 29. Those interested can view the environmental study report in full and submit their feedback on HDB’s website.